Illuminating surgical device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of claimed subject matter are directed to an illuminating surgical device comprising an array of illuminating elements and an array of louvers to direct light from the individual illuminating elements toward a surgical field.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This disclosure relates generally to the field of surgical devices and,more particularly, to approaches toward illuminating a surgical area ofinterest.

2. Information

While performing a surgical procedure, a surgeon may utilize aretractor, which may permit the surgeon to draw lateral and deep layersof tissue away from underlying features. Responsive to the drawing orretracting of lateral and deep layers away from underlying features, asurgeon may focus his or her attention on, for example, repair,manipulation, and/or replacement of body organs, and other anatomicalstructures including, but not limited to, soft tissue, nerve, venous,arterial, tendinous, and bony structures, and/or may perform numerousother surgical procedures.

However, at times, a surgical instrument may bring about shadowing oflight from an overhead source that is intended to illuminate a surgicalarea of interest. Additionally, other sources of blockage of overheadlight may include the surgeon's head, body, and/or hands, for example,and/or one or more body parts of an assistant. Further, otherinstrumentation in and around the surgical field may obscure the“operator's” view. Accordingly, a surgeon may be required to repositionsurgical instruments or overhead lighting or may be required to don orslip on a wearable headlight so as to provide a clear view andunobstructed illumination of an area of interest.

In many instances, light from an overhead source may be tightly directedtoward an area of interest. However, since there may be a large distancebetween surgical instruments and an overhead light source, directedlight may introduce optical artifacts, such as shadowing and glare onspecific surfaces, which may reduce the visual quality of theilluminating area. Thus, the surgeon may reposition the surgicalinstrument or shift his or her position in a manner that reduces and/oravoids glare from overhead light sources. Accordingly, virtually anyobject that is between the light source and the surgical area beingviewed may diminish the light in the surgical field hindering theability of the medical personnel to visualize the important areas.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

Briefly, particular implementations may be directed to an illuminatingsurgical device comprising an array of illuminating elements and anarray of louvered devices to direct light from individual illuminatingelements of the array of illuminating elements toward a target surgicalfield. In an embodiment, one or more louvered devices of the array oflouvered devices may be oriented at an angle approximately in the rangeof 120 degrees to 150 degrees relative to a substantially planarsurface. In an embodiment, one or more louvers of the array of louvereddevices may be adjustable between angles such as, for example, 100degrees to 160 degrees. In an embodiment, a top side of one or morelouvers of an array of louvered devices may be coated with alight-absorbing coating to reduce backscatter illumination from adjacentilluminating elements. In another embodiment, at least some of theilluminating elements of the array of illuminating elements areanharmonically spaced relative to one another. Beamwidths of at leastsome of the illuminating elements of the array of illuminating elementsmay also be situated so as to overlap with one another.

In an embodiment, one or more louvered devices of the array of louvereddevices may be manually oriented at an angle that minimizes backscatterwhile maximizing illumination area over the target surgical field. In anembodiment, an array of angled reflective surfaces may direct the lightfrom the individual illuminating elements toward the louvers of thearray of louvered devices. Angled reflective surfaces may be oriented atan angle approximately in the range of 25 degrees to 55 degrees relativeto a substantially planar substrate. In an embodiment, illuminatingelements of the array of illuminating elements utilize light emittingdiodes and/or organic light emitting diodes having a color temperatureapproximately in the range of 6500 degrees Kelvin to 7500 degreesKelvin. However, claimed subject matter may encompass illuminationsources having a color temperatures of, for example, as low as 2500degrees Kelvin, for example, up to, for example, 7500 degrees Kelvin. Inparticular embodiments, illumination sources may comprise a correlatedcolor temperature approximately in the range of 2500 degrees to 3800degrees, for example. In an embodiment, light emitting diodes having acolor temperature approximately in the range of 2700 degrees to 5000,for example, may be utilized.

In an embodiment, an illuminating surgical device may comprise asubstrate layer to accommodate an array of illuminating elements, areflective layer to accommodate an array of reflective surfaces, aspacing layer to accommodate the array of illuminating elements and thearray of reflective surfaces, in which individual illuminating elementsof the array of illuminating elements and individual reflective surfacesof the array of reflective surfaces are proximate to one another. Anembodiment may further comprise a louvered layer to direct light fromindividual illuminating elements of the array of illuminating elementstoward a target surgical field. In an embodiment, one or more of thereflective layer, the spacing layer, and a louvered layer may bearranged to accommodate anharmonic spacing of illuminating elements ofthe array of illuminating elements. In an embodiment, the louvered layermay utilize louvers oriented approximately in the range of 120 degreesto 150 degrees relative to a substantially planar surface. Beamwidths ofat least some individual illuminating elements may overlap one another.Additionally, at least some reflective surfaces may be oriented at anangle approximately in the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees relative toa plane of the substrate layer. In an embodiment, at least somereflective surfaces of the array of reflective surfaces may operate toprovide approximately lossless reflection of light having a colortemperature approximately in the range of 5000 degrees Kelvin to 7500degrees Kelvin. In embodiments, at least some reflective surfaces of thearray of reflective surfaces may operate to provide approximatelylossless reflection of light having a color temperature that may include3500 degrees Kelvin. In an embodiment, a lateral dimension of at leastsome illuminating elements of the array of illuminating elements maycomprise a length approximately in the range of one half a lateraldimension of at least some orifices of the spacing layer. In anembodiment, a louvered layer may be slidable in one or more dimensionsso as to bring about redirection of an illumination field emanating fromilluminating elements.

In another embodiment, a method of fabricating an illuminating surgicaldevice may comprise affixing anharmonically-spaced illuminating elementsatop a substrate layer and affixing a louvered layer atop the substratelayer. The method may further comprise affixing reflective surfaces inclose proximity with corresponding anharmonically-spaced illuminatingelements. The method may further comprise adjusting one or more oflouver angles and orientation angles of the reflective surfaces tocontrol backscatter and illumination of a target surgical field. Themethod may further comprise encapsulating the louvered layer, afteraffixing the louvered layer atop the substrate layer, with anencapsulant substantially transparent to light having a colortemperature approximately in the wavelength of 5000 degrees Kelvin to7500 degrees Kelvin.

It should be understood that the aforementioned implementations aremerely example implementations, and that claimed subject matter is notnecessarily limited to any particular aspect of these exampleimplementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Claimed subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctlyclaimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, both asto organization and/or method of operation, together with objects,features, and/or advantages thereof, it may best be understood byreference to the following detailed description if read with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a surgical retractor in use during asurgical procedure;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an illuminating surgical device utilizedduring a surgical procedure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a general scheme toward constructing anilluminating surgical device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an illustration showing details of the construction of anilluminating surgical device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an illustration showing integration of individual portions ofthe illuminating surgical device of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing details of layers of the illuminatingsurgical device of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing movement of an illumination area as afunction of orientation of reflective surfaces and louvers according toan embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a Fresnel-type lens integrated with areflector according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing overlapping beamwidths of illuminatingelements of the illuminating surgical device of FIG. 4 according to anembodiment; and

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, and 10G show various embodiments inwhich a slidable louvered layer may give rise to redirection of anillumination field according to embodiments.

Reference is made in the following detailed description to accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof, wherein like numerals may designatelike parts throughout to indicate corresponding and/or analogouscomponents. It will be appreciated that components illustrated in thefigures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as for simplicityand/or clarity of illustration. For example, dimensions of somecomponents may be exaggerated relative to other components. Further, itis to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. Furthermore,structural and/or other changes may be made without departing fromclaimed subject matter. It should also be noted that directions and/orreferences, for example, up, down, top, bottom, and so on, may be usedto facilitate discussion of drawings and/or are not intended to restrictapplication of claimed subject matter. Therefore, the following detaileddescription is not to be taken to limit claimed subject matter and/orequivalents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “one feature,”“one embodiment,” “an example,” “a feature,” or “an embodiment” meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the feature, example or embodiment is included in atleast one feature, example or embodiment of claimed subject matter.Thus, appearances of the phrase “in one example,” “an example,” “in onefeature,” “a feature,” “an embodiment,” or “in one embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same feature, example, or embodiment. Furthermore,particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inone or more examples, features, or embodiments.

As previously described, a surgeon may utilize a surgical retractor todraw or pull away lateral and deep layers of tissue to expose one ormore underlying features of, for example, a human or animal body.Retraction of lateral and deep layers may permit the surgeon and/orother medical personnel to perform surgical procedures, for example,deep within the human or animal body. However, on occasion, polished,sterilized surgical instruments, such as a retractor, may produce glarefrom overhead illumination sources. Responsive to observing such glare,a surgeon may be required to shift his or her position and/or repositionone or more surgical instruments. Such adjustment of a surgeon'sposition and/or repositioning of surgical instruments may reduce asurgeon's efficiency, for example, and may increase the time required tocomplete a surgical procedure, which may lead to potentially increasedpostoperative complications associated with prolonged operating times,for example, or may render a procedure more technically difficult. Insome instances, such as during very precise surgical proceduresinvolving fine structures of the human body, an amount of overhead lightutilized to illuminate a surgical area may be increased so as to permitthe surgeon to clearly view the surgical area and to improve surgicalsafety by, for example, reducing surgeon error, such as inadvertentlycutting, suturing, and/or inadvertently damaging vital anatomicalstructures. However, in these instances, and others, such an increase inambient and/or overhead illumination may exacerbate glare produced bysurgical instruments or create over illumination of the areassurrounding and external to the surgical incision. Presence ofadditional glare may, in turn, require additional repositioning of oneor more surgical instruments, for example or dimming the lights belowacceptable levels to reduce glare, for example.

Accordingly, an illuminating surgical retractor may represent anapproach toward reducing glare introduced by various overhead and/orambient surgical lighting systems. In an example embodiment, anilluminating surgical retractor may utilize light emitting diodes (LEDs)and/or organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), which may serve todiffusely illuminate a surgical field without significant illuminationof surrounding areas. In embodiments, use of an illuminating surgicalretractor may reduce a need for ambient surgical lighting, such asoverhead lighting, which may reduce or eliminate glare introduced byoverhead and/or ambient surgical lighting as well as reducing shadowingeffects. Such reduction, or elimination of glare entirely, may, forexample, reduce annoying eye strain experienced by a surgeon, as well asreduce the need to reposition surgical instruments during surgicalprocedures, for example. Accordingly, embodiments may bring about areduction in the time required to perform a surgical procedure as wellas an increase in a surgeon's comfort and efficiency.

In embodiments, illuminating elements, which may comprise approximatelyin the range of 15-30 LEDs, may be affixed in a two-dimensional arrayacross a substrate layer. In particular embodiments, one or more LEDsmay be staggered along a third dimension (e.g., depth) to bring about athree-dimensional array of LEDs. In particular embodiments, atwo-dimensional or three-dimensional array of surface-mounted,side-firing LEDs, such as those obtained from the Nichia Corporation at491 Oka, Kaminaka-Cho, Anan-Shi, TOKUSHIMA 774-8601, Japan, may beutilized. Illuminating elements may generate light comprising a colortemperature of, for example, approximately in the range of 5000 degreesKelvin to 7500 degrees Kelvin. In particular embodiments, illuminatingelements may generate light comprising a lower color temperature, suchas approximately in the range of 3500 degrees Kelvin, which may permit,for example, warming of tissue during a surgical procedure. In otherembodiments illuminating elements may generate light outside of thevisible wavelengths, such as infrared and/or ultraviolet wavelengths. Itshould be noted that a variety of LEDs may be utilized and claimedsubject matter is not limited to any particular type of LED or LEDtechnology.

As will be described in greater detail herein, illuminating elements,such as LEDs, may be arranged anharmonically in a manner that reduces oreliminates a possibility of noticeable and destructive interference orthe over focusing of individual LED elements in the surgical field.Responsive to anharmonic spacing of LED illuminating elements, anillumination area may appear diffuse and uniformly illuminated withoutsignificant variation in light hue, color, intensity, for example.Anharmonic spacing of illuminating elements may give rise to additionalbenefits, and claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect.

In embodiments, a spacing layer may be disposed atop a substrate layercomprising an array of two-dimensional illuminating elements, such asLEDs. However, in some embodiments, LEDs may be staggered in a thirddimension, such as depth. A spacing layer may comprise a two-dimensionalarray of orifices, each of which, for example, may accommodate acorresponding illuminating element of an array of two-dimensionalilluminating elements. A spacing layer may additionally accommodate atwo-dimensional array of reflective surfaces, which may serve to directlight from illuminating elements in an approximately upward directionaway from a substrate layer.

In embodiments, a louvered layer may be disposed atop a spacing layer,which may serve to direct light from a reflective surface, for example,towards a surgical field. A louvered layer may include a two-dimensionalarray of individual louvers oriented at angles approximately in therange of 120 degrees to 150 degrees relative to a substantially planarhorizontal surface. However, it should be noted that embodiments ofclaimed subject matter may embrace louvers comprising differingorientations with respect to a blade surface, such as angularorientations of less than 120 degrees and angular orientations ofgreater than 150 degrees, for example. In embodiments, a louvered layermay reduce backscatter, thereby confining an illumination area toencompass a surgical field.

In embodiments, one or more substrate layers, one or more spacinglayers, one or more reflective layers, and one or more louvered layersmay be constructed so as to form a blade, which may then be encapsulatedutilizing a transparent, fluid resistant (e.g., hydrophobic)encapsulant. A transparent encapsulant, as well as reflective layers,louvered layers, and so forth may permit substantially losslesstransmission of illumination from illuminating elements. In a particularembodiment, a transparent encapsulant may have intermixed particleswhich may homogenize light, homogenize a color temperature, and/orprovide diffusion of light for example. Such an encapsulant may, forexample, include a photo luminescent phosphor, such as cerium-dopedyttrium aluminum garnet (CE:YAG) or optically transparent particlescomprising a differing refractive index and a matrix of such as TiO₂,SiO₂, or ZnO, or any combination thereof, for example.

In particular embodiments, many chromophores are possible such asquantum dot particles, which may gain popularity four application inliquid crystal displays. In embodiments, particles small enough to raisean overall refractive index of the matrix (such as less thanapproximately 30 nm or smaller) may be utilized. Larger particles, suchas those greater than approximately 30 nm may not exhibit Rayleighscattering but may, in some embodiments, exhibit Mie scattering. Suchscattering may result in opaque matrices with increased diffusetransmissions, which may bring about a reduction in speculartransmittance, for example. In an embodiment, TiO₂ particles comprisinga radius approximately in the range of 200 nm to 250 nm, for example,comprising an index of refraction approximately in the range of 2.4-2.6,for example, may be utilized as a scatter matrix. In embodiments,zirconia may also be utilized. Although in some embodiments, silica maybe added to higher refractive index matrices to reduce a refractiveindex.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a surgical retractor, which may embody oneor more features of the present invention, in use during a surgicalprocedure (100). As shown in FIG. 1, surgeon's hand 110 may be utilizedto operate surgical retractor 120, such as during a surgical procedure,for example, to draw or retract one or more layers of tissue. Responsiveto retraction of lateral and deep layers of tissue, for example,surgical field 160 may be exposed. In addition to drawing or pullinglateral and deep layers of tissue in a manner that exposes surgicalfield 160, a surgeon may adjust an angular orientation, such as a pitchangle, of surgical retractor 120. In an embodiment, a surgeon may “toein” a surgical retractor, which may comprise the upward pitching ofsurgical retractor 120, as shown by arrow 130. Upward pitching of asurgical refractor may give rise to movement of a distal portion of asurgical retractor, such as shown by arrow 135. Likewise, a surgeon may“toe out” a surgical retractor, which may comprise the downward pitchingof surgical retractor 120, as shown by arrow 140. Downward pitching ofthe surgical retractor may give rise to movement of a distal portion ofthe surgical retractor, such as shown by arrow 145.

Illumination system 150 may comprise one or more overhead illuminationdevices, such as lamps, spotlights, and so forth. In some instances,such as during the surgical procedure involving a high degree ofposition, illumination system 150 may generate light having significantintensity, which may, for example, increase a surgeon's eyestrain.Additionally, as intensity of illumination system 150 is increased,stray light from illumination system 150 may produce significantnuisance glare, which may enter surgeon's eye 115. Accordingly,especially during lengthy surgeries, a surgeon may experience eyefatigue, which may reduce his or her efficiency in performing surgicalprocedures.

Additionally, external lights may generally be poorly focused and thusmay be brighter so as to maintain adequate illumination in a narrowsurgical field. Responsive to increases in intensity of light, tissuesin a surgical field may increase in temperature, which may, for example,bring about desiccation of tissues in the surgical field. Further,increases in intensity of light may give rise to a zone of increasedsurface temperature in surgical field 160, which may, in some instances,increase fatigue of the surgeon and thus require an operating room to bekept cooler, which may negatively impact condition of the patient.

As shown in FIG. 1, a body part of a surgical assistant, for example, asrepresented by hand 112, may exemplify an additional source ofshadowing, which may impair a surgeon's vision of surgical field 160.For example, hand 112 is shown as manipulating an additional surgicalutensil 114, both of which, for example, may bring about an area ofshadowing, represented by 116. Accordingly, as previously discussed,several factors may bring about improper illumination of a surgicalfield. Thus, conventional surgical practice may benefit from one or moreembodiments of claimed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an illuminating surgical device utilizedduring a surgical procedure according to an embodiment 200. As shown inFIG. 2, illuminating surgical device 220 may be utilized in place ofsurgical retractor 120 shown in FIG. 1. In particular embodiments,illuminating surgical device 220 may utilize battery 230 as well asswitch 240, which may permit a surgeon to control illumination 255emanating from blade portion 270. Accordingly, intensity of lightemanating from illumination system 250 may be significantly reduced or,in one embodiment, reduced entirely. Hence, shadowing, annoying glare,and/or other stray reflections of light produced by illumination system250 may be reduced or eliminated entirely.

In particular embodiments, illumination 255 may be oriented at an angleof approximately 135 degrees relative to the vertical plane of bladeportion 270. Thus, surgical field 260 may be adequately illuminated,which may permit a surgeon to focus on surgical procedures involvingsurgical field 260. Accordingly, as a surgeon may toe in or toe outilluminating surgical device 220, or may make other fine adjustments tothe position of illuminating surgical device 220, surgical field 260 mayremain significantly illuminated without exposing surgeon's eye 215 toextraneous and/or stray illumination from device 220.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a general scheme toward constructing anilluminating surgical device according to an embodiment 300. As shown inFIG. 3, blade portion 270, which may be rotated 90 degrees clockwisefrom its orientation in FIG. 2, is shown as comprising substrate layer272, spacing layer 274, reflective layer 276, and louvered layer 278.After assembly of substrate, spacing, reflective, and louvered layers,blade portion 270 may be encapsulated using a transparent hydrophobicencapsulant that may resist materials that may come into contact with anilluminating surgical device such as, for example, fluids from surgicalarea 260, cleaning solvents and surfactants, and so forth. Transparentencapsulants may be utilized to protect illuminating surgical device 220from other fluids and/or materials, and claimed subject matter is notlimited in this respect.

FIG. 4 is an illustration showing details of the construction of anilluminating surgical device according to an embodiment 400. Beginningnear a bottom portion of FIG. 4, substrate layer 272 may comprise atwo-dimensional array of illuminating elements, such as illuminatingelements 273. In an embodiment, illuminating elements 273 may compriseside-firing LEDs, which may generate illumination that emanatespredominantly from a side, such as the left-hand side, as shown in FIG.4. However, it should be noted that claimed subject matter is intendedto embrace a variety of illumination sources, such as side firing LEDs,end firing LEDs, and other LED types, without limitation.

As shown in FIG. 4, certain adjacent pairs of illuminating elements 273of a two-dimensional array of illuminating elements may be separated bya distance of, for example, w₁, and certain other adjacent pairs ofilluminating elements 273 may be separated from one another by adistance of, for example, w₂. In embodiments, w₂ may be greater than w₁,although other embodiments may employ differing spacings, such as, forexample, spacings in which w₁ may be greater than w₂, for example, andclaimed subject matter is not limited in this respect. In embodiments,such anharmonic and perhaps three-dimensional spacing (in which certainLEDs disposed atop a substrate layer 272 may be recessed with respect toone another) may be utilized to reduce, or to eliminate entirely,constructive and/or destructive interference brought about by harmonicspacing of illuminating elements 273. In the embodiment of FIG. 4,illuminating elements 273 may be arranged to prevent, for example,occurrence of n₁λ=n₂λ, in an illumination area, which may give rise to“banding,” or other noticeable areas of non-uniform intensity which mayoccur within the illumination area. To reduce the possibility of bandingand/or other nonuniform illumination of an area, inter-element spacing(w₁) between a first pair of adjacent illuminating elements, which maybe represented by nλ, may be made unequal to inter-element spacing (w₂)between a second pair of adjacent illuminating elements, which may berepresented by n₂λ. It should be noted, however, that claimed subjectmatter is not limited to any particular approach toward reducingnonuniform illumination. For example, some embodiments may utilize oneor more light diffusers, one or more homogenizers, etc., and claimedsubject matter is not limited in this respect. Additionally, inparticular embodiments, LEDs of different color temperature and/orwavelength may provide intentional non-uniform illumination, forexample.

Spacing layer 274, shown as having width “w” in FIG. 4, may compriseorifices 275, which may be machined into a solid material. In anembodiment, orifices 275 may be arranged in a two-dimensional array soas to be placed atop substrate layer 272. In particular embodiments,illuminating elements 273 may fit within a corresponding orifice.Reflective layer 276, comprising an array of reflectors 277, may beplaced atop spacing layer 274 so as to reflect light emanating fromilluminating elements 273. In embodiments, reflectors 277 may be slopeddownwardly from the plane of the reflective layer so as to fit withinorifices 275 of spacing layer 276. In an embodiment, spacing layer 274and reflective layer 276 may be provided as a single layer comprisinginjection-molded plastic and may utilize a metal-plated reflectivesurface.

Louvered layer 278 may be affixed atop reflective layer 276, which maydirect light reflected from reflectors 277 toward, for example, surgicalarea 260 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, louvers 279 may be oriented atan approximately 135 degree angle (θ₁) relative to the plane of louveredlayer 278. However, as previously noted, claimed subject matter mayembrace louvers oriented at a variety of angles, such as angles lessthan 135 degrees (e.g., 105 degrees, 110 degrees, 115 degrees and, andso forth) and angles greater than 135 degrees (e.g. 140 degrees 145degrees, and so forth) with respect to the plane of louvered layer 278.

FIG. 5 is an illustration showing integration of individual portions ofthe illuminating surgical device of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment500. In FIG. 5, illuminating element 273, which is shown as mounted to aportion of substrate layer 272, is shown as fitting within orifice 275.Thus, light generated by illuminating element 273 may be reflected byreflector 277, also shown as fitting within orifice 275. In FIG. 5,orifice 275 is shown as surrounded by a portion of spacing layer 274.Louver 279, shown as detached from louvered layer 278 for reasons ofclarity only, may be placed atop spacing layer 274. Accordingly, theintegrated ensemble, comprising layer 278, reflective layer 276, spacinglayer 274, and substrate layer 272, may bring about directed lighting ofa surgical area without a significant backscattered light. It should benoted, however, that illuminating surgical instrument comprising layers272, 274, 276, and 278 may be utilized for other purposes, such as anon-surgical purposes, and claimed subject matter is not limited in thisrespect.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing details of layers of the illuminatingsurgical device of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment 600. In FIG. 6, twoof illuminating elements 273 are shown mounted atop substrate layer 272.Although illuminating elements 273 may be illustrated as comprisingside-firing LEDs, claimed subject matter is intended to embrace anylight-generating device that may be mounted atop a substrate layer andfitted within an orifice. Illuminating element 273 is shown adjacent toa wall having a height w, which may correspond to a thickness dimensionof spacing layer 274 of FIGS. 4 and 5. Thus, while disposed within theconfines of orifice 275, luminous energy generated by illuminatingelements 273 may impinge upon reflectors 277 and the undersides oflouvers 279 towards an illumination area.

In embodiments, reflectors 277 may be oriented at an angle θ₂, which maybe judiciously selected to increase illumination of a targetillumination area, such as a surgical field, for example, without asignificant backscatter from the top sides of louvers 279. It iscontemplated that θ₂ may comprise a value approximately in the range of30 degrees and 50 degrees, although in particular embodiments, θ₂ maycomprise values less than 30 degrees (e.g. 25 degrees, 20 degrees, andso forth) or may comprise values greater than 50 degrees (e.g., 55degrees, 60 degrees, and so forth) and claimed subject matter is notlimited in this respect. FIG. 6 additionally indicates a horizontaldimension of w₃, which corresponds to a horizontal dimension ofilluminating elements 273 mounted atop substrate layer 272.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the horizontal dimension of orifice 275,which may be formed within spacing layer 274, is shown as comprisingtwice the horizontal dimension of illuminating element 273. FIG. 6additionally indicates a linear dimension of louvers 279 as beingapproximately 1.5 times the horizontal dimension of illuminatingelements 273. However, selection of a linear dimension of louvers 279,such as, for example, a linear dimension of 1.5 times the horizontaldimension of illuminating elements 273 may be judiciously selectedaccording to an individual application. Thus, again, the relativedimensions of illuminating element 273, orifice 275, louver 279, and soforth, are provided as an illustrative embodiment, and claimed subjectmatter is not limited in this respect.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing movement of an illumination area as afunction of orientation of reflective surfaces and louvers according toan embodiment 700. As shown in FIG. 7 adjustment of angle θ₁ and θ₂ mayserve to redirect light from illuminating element 273 that maybackscatter from a top side of louvers 279. In one example, just for thesake of illustration, an increase in angle θ₁, such as from 135 degreesto 145 degrees, may give rise to an increase in light that isbackscattered from an adjacent louver 279. However, such an increase inangle θ₁ may also give rise to movement of illumination area 710 in adownward direction. Likewise, adjustment of angle θ₁ may also bringabout repositioning of illumination area 710 and influence and amount ofthe backscattered light from a top surface of an adjacent louver 279. Inembodiments, a top side of louvers 279 and/or selected portions of abottom side of louvers 279, may be coated with a substantiallynon-reflective material so as to reduce or eliminate backscatteredlight. As may be inferred from FIG. 7, movement of substrate 272 towardsillumination area 710, shown by arrow 281, may decrease the size of area710. Movement of substrate 272 away from illumination area 710, shown byarrow 282, may increase the size of area 710.

In embodiments, the reflective nature of the internal surfaces ofembodiment 700, such as the reflective underside of louvers 279, maygive rise to a substantially high contrast ratio between illuminationarea 710 and the dark, substantially non-reflective topside of louvers279. A substantially high contrast ratio may prevent excessive glowingof the device during operation and may enhance the directionality oflight emanating from illuminating element 273. Accordingly, althougharea 710 may be illuminated, a negligible amount of light may bereflected back to the surgeon. A reduction in backscattered light, suchas may be created by light impinging upon the top side of louvers 279,may be reduced, thereby increasing the visual comfort of the surgeon.

In an embodiment, one or more Fresnel-type lenses may be integratedwith, and/or utilized in place of, louvers 279 to efficiently directlight towards illumination area 710, for example. In an implementation,a convex lens may be subdivided so as to form a Fresnel-type lens toobtain a refractive effect similar to a thicker lens, however, byutilizing a much thinner array. Accordingly, a transparent materialhaving a relatively high index of refraction may be utilized. Louvers279 may be angled at a supercritical angle to permit increasedreflection toward illumination area 710. In embodiments, in addition topermitting increased reflection and/or refraction of light toward anillumination area, integration of louvers 279 with Fresnel-type lensesmay bring about decreased or negligible backscatter from, for example,top sides of louvers 279.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a Fresnel-type lens integrated with areflector according to an embodiment 800. In FIG. 8, illuminatingelement 873, which may be mounted atop substrate layer 872, is shown asilluminating reflector 877. Fresnel-type lens 880, shown affixed to anunderside of louvers 979 is shown as operating to bend light fromilluminating element 873 towards, for example, an illumination area,such as illumination area 710 of FIG. 7. In embodiments, use ofFresnel-type lenses may permit greater flexibility in selection of, forexample, angles θ₁ and θ₂ shown in FIG. 7, which may permit more compactdesign, of illuminating surgical devices, for example. Further, inparticular embodiments may utilize adjustably-angled louvers so as topermit modulation of angle θ₁ of FIG. 7 between angles of, for example,100 degrees and 160 degrees relative to substrate 872.

In addition to permitting more compact design of the illuminatingsurgical devices, use of a Fresnel-type lens may permit greaterdirectivity of an illuminating beam emanating from illuminating element973. Accordingly, such increased directivity may reduce the relativesize of illuminating area 710 as well as reducing incidents of straylight impinging on, for example, a top side of adjacent louvers, such aslouver 279 of FIG. 7. In addition, a surface portion of top side oflouvers 279 may be coated so as to bring about a light-absorbingsurface. In embodiments, a top side of louvers 279 may be coated, forexample, by depositing light-absorbing materials, which may serve tofurther diminish backscattered light emanating from illuminating element273. For example, a top side of louvers 279 may be coated with anodizedaluminum, carbon black ink or paint, Catalac black paint, Chemglazeblack paint, black lacquers, black velvet paint, polyethylene blackplastic, and/or a variety of other materials which may be available fromK&K Associates at 10141 Nelson Street, Westminster, Colo. USA. In otherembodiments, a deposition process may be utilized to deposit or impartlight-absorbing material onto a top side of louvers 279. Light-absorbingproperties of a top side of louvers 279 may also be enhanced byincreasing surface roughness, such as by scratching and/or abrading, forexample. Claimed subject matter is intended to embrace any approachtoward reducing and/or eliminating light that is reflected from topsides of louvers 279.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing overlapping beamwidths of illuminatingelements of the illuminating surgical device of FIG. 4 according to anembodiment 800. As mentioned with respect to FIG. 4, certain embodimentsmay benefit from a reduction in the possibility of banding and/or othernonuniform illumination and area. Thus, in addition to adjustment ofinter-element spacing of illuminating elements 273, illuminatingelements may also be positioned so as to exhibit overlapping beamwidths,as shown in FIG. 8. In embodiments, such overlapping of beamwidths, suchas beamwidth 373, may further reduce the possibility of nonuniformillumination of an illumination area, such as a surgical field.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams showing movement of a louver layer,which may operate to redirect light from illumination sources accordingto an embodiment. For example, in embodiment 1000 of FIG. 10A, lightfrom illumination sources 1073 may be reflected upwards by, for example,reflective layer 1077. Light from reflective layer 1077 may bere-directed into a cone-shaped area given, for example, by angle θ₃, forexample. In embodiments, illumination within the cone-shaped areacorresponding to angle θ₃ may correspond to an illumination area aboveand slightly to the right of an imaginary vertical line extending normalto the plane embodiment 1000.

In embodiment 1001 (FIG. 10B) louver layer 1079 is shown as shiftedslightly to the right of its position shown in embodiment 1000 (FIG.10A). In embodiments, such shifting of louver layer 1079 in thedirection of arrow 1084 may bring about confinement of light raysemanating from illuminating elements 1073 to an area corresponding toθ₄. In embodiments, illumination within the cone-shaped areacorresponding to angle θ₄ may correspond to an illumination area aboveand considerably to the right of an imaginary vertical line extendingnormal to the plane of embodiment 1001.

In embodiment 1002 (FIG. 10C) louver layer 1079 is shown shiftedslightly to the left of its position shown in embodiment 1000 (FIG.10A). In embodiments, such shifting of louver layer 1079 in thedirection of arrow 1085 may bring about confinement of light raysemanating from illuminating elements 1073 to an area corresponding toθ₅. In embodiments, illumination within the cone-shaped areacorresponding to angle θ₅ may correspond to an illumination areadirectly above and very slightly to the right, for example, of animaginary vertical line extending normal to the plane of embodiment1002.

FIG. 10D is an illustration showing the various layers and/or structuresthat may be utilized in an illuminating surgical device according to anembodiment. Embodiment 1003 of FIG. 10D may correspond, for example, toone or more of embodiments 1000, 1001, or 1002. In embodiment 1003 ofFIG. 10D, spacing layer 1074 may correspond to spacing layer 274, forexample, shown in FIG. 4. Reflective layer 1076 may be disposed atopspacing layer 1074, which may comprise reflectors 1077, such as shown inFIG. 10D. In one embodiment, reflectors 1077 may be sloped towardsilluminating elements 1073 in a manner similar, for example, to thesloping of reflectors 277 in the direction of illuminating elements 273as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10E shows louver layer 1079 disposed atop reflective layer 1076 inaccordance with an embodiment 1004. FIG. 10E also shows example louvers1079 a and 1079 b, which may be permitted to slide over reflectors 1077.In an embodiment, movement of louver layer 1079 in the direction ofarrow 1086 may bring about redirection of example illumination fields1080 in a +x direction. Also in an embodiment, movement of louver layer1079 in the direction of arrow 1087 may bring about redirection ofexample illumination fields 1080 in a −x direction.

FIG. 10F shows louver layer 1079, including louvers 1079 a and 1079 b,for example, moved in a +y direction, which brings about redirection ofillumination field 1080 a to the right. FIG. 10G shows louver layer1079, including louvers 1079 a and 1079 b moved in a −y direction, whichbrings about redirection of illumination field 1080 b to the left.Accordingly, louvers may be slid in +y, thereby permitting fineadjustment of illumination fields, such as illumination fields 1080 aand 1080 b.

Although particular illuminating elements, such as illuminating elements273, have been described, it should be noted that theoretical efficiencyof both light emitting diodes and/or organic light emitting diodes maybe similar and may be based on a desired spectral response. Inembodiments, efficiencies of illuminating elements may be reduced if aspecific correlated color temperature range and/or color quality isutilized. Correlated color temperature ranges (e.g., “cool” or “warm”color temperatures) may be tuned, for example, by modulating chemicalcompounds utilized in light-emitting devices. In metal-constructedilluminating surgical devices, metal may be used as a heat sink, whichmay permit use of illumination sources that generate increased wasteheat. Accordingly, heating of the illuminating surgical device may notbe of significant importance. If directional light from an illuminatingsurgical device is utilized, in some embodiments, organic light emittingdiodes may not represent a prudent design choice. This may be ofparticular importance in applications in which diffuse light may bepreferred over applications in which light is directed toward particularillumination areas.

The terms, “and”, “or”, and “and/or” as used herein may include avariety of meanings that also are expected to depend at least in partupon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if usedto associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C,here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in theexclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein maybe used to describe any feature, structure, and/or characteristic in thesingular and/or may be used to describe a plurality or some othercombination of features, structures and/or characteristics. Though, itshould be noted that this is merely an illustrative example and claimedsubject matter is not limited to this example.

While there has been illustrated and/or described what are presentlyconsidered to be example features, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the relevant art that various other modifications may be madeand/or equivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimedsubject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter withoutdeparting from the central concept(s) described herein. Therefore, it isintended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particularexamples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may alsoinclude all aspects falling within appended claims and/or equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An illuminating surgical device, comprising: anarray of illuminating elements; an array of louvered devices to directlight from individual illuminating elements of the array of illuminatingelements toward a target surgical field.
 2. The illuminating surgicaldevice of claim 1, wherein one or more louvers of the array of louvereddevices is oriented at an angle approximately in the range of 120degrees to 150 degrees relative to a substantially planar surface. 3.The illuminating surgical device of claim 1, wherein one or more louversof the array of louvered devices is adjustable between angles of 100degrees to 160 degrees relative to the substantially planar surface. 4.The illuminating surgical device of claim 1, wherein a top side of oneor more louvers of the array of louvered devices is coated with alight-absorbing coating to reduce backscattered illumination.
 5. Theilluminating surgical device of claim 1, wherein at least someilluminating elements of the array of illuminating elements areanharmonically spaced relative to one another.
 6. The illuminatingsurgical device of claim 5, wherein beamwidths of at least someilluminating elements of the array of illuminating elements are situatedso as to overlap with one another.
 7. The illuminating surgical deviceof claim 1, wherein one or more louvers of the array of louvered devicesis oriented at an angle that minimizes backscatter while maximizingillumination area over the target surgical field.
 8. The illuminatingsurgical device of claim 1, further comprising: an array of angledreflective surfaces to direct the light from the individual illuminatingelements towards the louvers of the array of louvered devices.
 9. Theilluminating surgical device of claim 8, wherein at least some of thereflective surfaces of the array of angled reflective surfaces areoriented at an angle approximately in the range of 25 degrees to 55degrees relative to a substantially planar substrate.
 10. Theilluminating surgical device of claim 1, wherein illuminating elementsof the array of illuminating elements utilize light emitting diodeshaving a color temperature approximately in the range of 6500 degreesKelvin to 7500 degrees Kelvin.
 11. The illuminating surgical device ofclaim 1, wherein one or more louvers of the array of louvered devicesutilizes a Fresnel-type lens on an underside of the one or more louvers.12. An illuminating surgical device, comprising: a substrate layer toaccommodate an array of illuminating elements; a reflective layer toaccommodate an array of reflective surfaces; a spacing layer toaccommodate the array of illuminating elements and the array ofreflective surfaces, individual illuminating elements of the array ofilluminating elements and individual reflective surfaces of the array ofreflective surfaces being proximate to one another; and a louvered layerto direct light from individual illuminating elements of the array ofilluminating elements toward a target surgical field.
 13. Theilluminating surgical device of claim 12, wherein one or more of thereflective layer, the spacing layer, and the louvered layer are arrangedto accommodate anharmonic spacing of illuminating elements of the arrayof illuminating elements.
 14. The illuminating surgical device of claim12, wherein the louvered layer utilizes louvers oriented approximatelyin the range of 120 degrees to 150 degrees relative to a substantiallyplanar surface.
 15. The illuminating surgical device of claim 12,wherein the louvered layer is slidable so as to permit redirection ofilluminating fields.
 16. The illuminating surgical device of claim 12,wherein beamwidths of at least some individual illuminating elementsoverlap with one another.
 17. The illuminating surgical device of claim12, wherein at least some reflective surfaces are oriented at an angleapproximately in the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees relative to aplane of the substrate layer.
 18. The illuminating surgical device ofclaim 12, wherein at least some reflective surfaces of the array ofreflective surfaces operate to provide approximately lossless reflectionof light having a color temperature approximately in the range of 6500degrees Kelvin to 7500 degrees Kelvin.
 19. The illuminating surgicaldevice of claim 12, wherein at least some reflective surfaces of thearray of reflective surfaces operate to provide approximately losslessreflection of light having a color temperature that includes 3500degrees Kelvin.
 20. The illuminating surgical device of claim 12,wherein a lateral dimension of at least some illuminating elements ofthe array of illuminating elements comprises a length approximately inthe range of one half the lateral dimension of at least some orifices ofthe spacing layer.
 21. A method comprising: affixinganharmonically-spaced illuminating elements atop a substrate layer; andaffixing a louvered layer atop the substrate layer.
 22. The method ofclaim 21, additionally comprising: affixing reflective surfaces in closeproximity with corresponding anharmonically-spaced illuminatingelements.
 23. The method of claim 21, additionally comprising: adjustingone or more of louver angles and orientation angles of the reflectivesurfaces to control backscatter and illumination of a target surgicalfield.
 24. The method of claim 21, additionally comprising:encapsulating the louvered layer, after affixing the louvered layer atopthe substrate layer, with an encapsulant substantially transparent tolight having a color temperature approximately in the range of 6500degrees Kelvin to 7500 degrees Kelvin.